Prohibition of Torture, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

International and national laws and regulations prohibit cruel treatment and torture. This prohibition is absolute in nature, i.e. no exceptions and derogations are allowed. In practice, the application of these norms is most relevant to “closed institutions”, where a person has a limited right to defend themselves.

Example: My family member lives in a nursing home. Although she has repeatedly asked for it, the staff is not ensuring privacy when helping her with personal hygiene — there are no screens, covers or other tools.

More information about torture and cruel treatment.